Violence follows arrest of Saudi shia cleric

Violence erupts in Qatif after leading cleric is detained for anti-state crimes.

Two people have been killed during street protests in the Saudi Arabian city of Qatif, following the arrest of a prominent government critic.

Activists say security forces opened fire on protesters, but the Interior Ministry denied any fighting took place.

Most of the country’s minority Shia live in the city and complain of discrimination. Many of them see Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr as a leader of their cause - but with him wounded and in custody they may have lost their most important advocate.